Dreamweaver CS3 Layout Issues

Hi, I'm hoping someone can either tell me I am missing something simple or direct me to a good resource center. I have just transitioned to Dreamweaver CS3 and am having major issues with layouts.

I don't want to use pre-made layouts and I've made a layout with Div's but I'm having placement issues.

I have 4 divs within a container, the first being a left sidebar, all other dvs are appearing beneath it, despite placement instructions in css. Firefox appears to be working fine, but all i.e's are screwed totally.

...Help? I don't want to use AP divs nor do I want to use tables but I'm pulling my hair out here trying to get this right.